Grilled Mexican Street Corn, or Elote, is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of Mexican street food. This recipe takes the natural sweetness of fresh corn and enhances it with a creamy, tangy topping, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a delicious side dish, this recipe is sure to impress.
Who is this recipe for?
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors and enjoys exploring new culinary experiences. It’s a fantastic side dish for summer gatherings, adding a touch of flair to any meal. Even if you’re new to Mexican cuisine, this recipe is easy to follow and promises great results.
Why is it great?
Grilled Mexican Street Corn is great for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, combining the smoky char from the grill with the creamy, tangy topping. Second, it’s versatile—you can serve it as a side dish or even as a vegetarian main course. Lastly, it’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients
- 4 ears of corn
- ¼ cup of Crema Mexican Agria Sour Cream (regular sour cream will work as well)
- ¼ cup of mayonnaise
- ½ cup of Cotija cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves of garlic, crushed (or finely minced)
- ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup of cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon of chipotle chili powder
Instructions
- Heat your grill to roughly 400 degrees F.
- You can grill the corn with the husks on or off. If leaving the husks on, soak the corn in water for 10 minutes before grilling. If removing the husks, lightly spray each cob with cooking spray.
- Place the corn on the grill and grill for roughly 12 minutes, turning the cobs 1/4 turn every 3 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the Crema Mexican Agria Sour Cream, mayonnaise, Cotija cheese, garlic, lime zest and juice, and cilantro to create the topping sauce.
- Generously top each corn cob with the cheese mixture, sprinkle with a bit of chipotle chili powder, and add extra Cotija cheese and cilantro as desired.
- Enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Grill
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spray
- Grilling tongs
Recipe Tips
- To make this dish spicier, add more chipotle chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the topping sauce.
- If you don’t have Cotija cheese, you can substitute it with feta or Parmesan cheese.
- For a vegan version, use vegan sour cream and mayonnaise.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, wrap the corn in aluminum foil and warm it in a 350-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Food and Drink Pairings
Grilled Mexican Street Corn pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside grilled meats such as steak or chicken for a complete meal. For drinks, consider serving it with a refreshing Mexican beer or a margarita to complement the flavors of the dish.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh? A: While fresh corn is ideal for this recipe, you can use frozen corn if fresh corn is not available. Simply thaw the corn before grilling.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the topping sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Grill the corn just before serving, and then top with the prepared sauce.
Q: Can I grill the corn indoors? A: Yes, you can grill the corn indoors using a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet. Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and grill the corn as you would on an outdoor grill.
Conclusion
Grilled Mexican Street Corn is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a taste of Mexican street food, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Try it out and share your experience with us! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes and tips.